Which is why we bring you Kendo Classes at the Capital Area Budokai, instructing you in the art of
samurai-style swordsmanship, and accepting students now.

Run by a bunch of swordmasters, this Japanese-style dojo is the surest path to Kill Bill-style
badassery. Over a four-week course, you'll learn basic stances, proper footwork with your bamboo sword, and
traditional swordsman's manners (properly greeting your opponent before you fence him into submission, never
swinging at a guy wearing glasses).

Once you master the basics, they'll suit you up in the traditional armor of a face mask and padding for your
torso and wrists—think David Carradine on casual Friday—for some high-intensity sparring. Before long,
you'll be singing your weapon to sleep at night.

And if you care to try your hand with real steel, there's a related dojo here that practices choreographed
moves (and slicing up bamboo mats) with actual blades. Just be warned: no sparring allowed.